New Canon EOS 70D Announced with Improved Video Autofocus

Finally, the waiting is over. Canon unveils the successor to the highly successful EOS 60D which came out in 2010, with the EOS 70D DSLR. The new and powerful model is feature packed, coming with many fundamental upgrades.

Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. described what to expect from the new model,

“The new EOS 70D Digital SLR camera is a game-changing DSLR model that incorporates advanced features for high-quality still and video capture and intuitive operation that allows photographers to evolve their creative vision from shooting still images to shooting moving images. This camera’s outstanding image quality combined with built-in wireless technology and popular creative functions and filters makes it easy to turn photos into works of art and share them immediately.”

Canon spared no expense, using their DIGIC 5+ processor, their top of the line processing unit, mating it with an all new 20.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS image sensor. This matching not only offers enhanced image quality over the 60D, but also better performance when using burst speeds up to 7fps at full resolution. Canon also integrated their 19-point AF system from the EOS 7D and into the 70D. This is quite an upgrade from the 60D’s 9-point system, which wasn’t bad at all to begin with. Video enthusiasts will love the 70D’s new Dual Pixel CMOS AF for Live View shooting.

The new Dual Pixel AF technology is capable of a 30% increase in AF speed in Live View mode when put side by side against the EOS Rebel SL1, the current record holder of the fastest AF in Live View on an EOS model. When mated with their STM lenses, this system offers seamless transitions between focal points. There is also no discernible noise from the focusing motors. A new touch screen Vari-angle LCD will also please new owners, as well as built-in Wi-Fi connectivity (with a free Android and iOS smart phone app), an upgraded 63-zone Dual Layer metering system with IFCL technology (Intelligent Focus, Color, and Luminance), as well as the capability to preview the effects of new Creative Filters in Live View mode; prior to actual shooting.

The EOS 70D so far does not seem to disappoint. As it finds its way to the rigors of actual use and application, only then can we say if it lives up to expectations.

I am a freelance photographer who is no stranger to smudged lenses, long hours in front of the computer, heavy camera bags (and the back aches that ensued) and missing lens caps. If you know what I'm talking about, you probably have as much love and passion for photography as I do.